Package means and method for making same



N. J. PILGER 3,411,618

PACKAGE MEANS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME Nov. 19, 1968 NEYS INVENTOR. v NICHOLAS J. PILGER law HIS ATTO 5 Sheets-Sheet 1- Filed July 7, 1966' Nov. 19, 1968 N. .1 PILGER 3,

PACKAGE MEANS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME Filed July 7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-4 INVENTOR. NICHOLAS J. PILGER jaw 25414 Jaw.

ms ATTORNE Nov. 19, 1968 S Shee'tS-Sheet 5 Filed July 7, 1966 FIG-7 INVENTOR. NICHOLAS J. PILGER BY Q 1 fl I HIS ATTO EYS Nov. 19, 1968 N. J PILGER I 1,6

PACKAGE MEANS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME gs/x 1:57, 7cc

INVENTOR. NICHOLAS. J. PILGER Nov; 19, 1968 N. J. PILGER 3,411,618

PACKAGE MEANS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME Filed July 7. 1966 5 Shets+Sheet 5 22m HIS ATTORN Y5 United States Patent 3,411,618 PACKAGE MEANS AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME Nicholas J. Pilger, Thousand Oaks, Calif., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 7, 1966, Ser. No. 563,472 Claims. (Cl. 20665) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a package construction for a plurality of-cans which utilizes a can holder which associates with only one end portion of said cans and has a corresponding plurality of extension flaps each nesting within the chime end ofan associated can and tabs which engage the outside surface of the chime end of each can to lock each can against the can holder to prevent chime ride. The can holder and associated cans have a plastic material overwrapped and shrunk in position therearound to define an integral package construction.

This invention pertains to package means and more particularly to an improved package for holding a plurality of container means having chime end means and -to an improved method for making such an improved package.

Many products in current use are sold in cylindrical cans which are sold in packages having a plurality of such cans. Such present packages are generally comparatively expensive to produce because they use expensive packaging materials in larger quantities, as well as requiring expensive machinery to form such packaging materials to precision tolerances to enable assembly thereof. Many of such present packages are also generally difficult to open and use and often require the use of separate identification means to identify the product carried within such package. The use of separate identification means, of course, adds to the cost of the package and hence adds an unnecessary cost to the product.

Therefore, it is a feature of this invention to provide an improved inexpensive package for a plurality of container means, such as cans, or the like, without requiring expensive manufacturing equipment.

Another feature of this invention is to provide such an inexpensive package having can holding means using a minimum of structural material.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a simple improved can holding means for a plurality of elongated cylindrical cans to be assembled together in a package, which holding means is adapted to be folded essentially in a common plane and has means preventing movement generally parallel to such plane.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved package for a plurality of cans utilizing shrinkable plastic material wrapped around such cans and such improved can holding means to prevent movement of such cans relative to each other and relative to the can holding means to thereby provide an inexpensive package having maximum strength.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved package of the character mentioned in which such shrinkable plastic material is transparent enabling the cans to be easily viewed therethrough thereby eliminating the need for special identification means for such package.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved package of the character mentioned above for a plurality of cans which are arranged in such package in a rectilinear manner.

3,411,618 Patented Nov. 19, 1968 Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved package having chime lock means adapted'to prevent cans having chime end means and which are arranged in side-by-side relation Within such package from engaging each other so that such chime end means ride one on top of the other and cause undesirable uneven assembly as well as possible shifting around of such cans in the assembled package.

Another feature of this invention is to provide such improved can holding means of simple and economical construction for use in association with a heat shrinkable plastic overwarp.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method of making a package for a plurality of cans in a simple and economical manner.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method wherein an inexpensive and simple can holder in used in association with transparent plastic film means to provide an economical package which does not require the use of separate identifications means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an improved method of making an inexpensive package for cans having chime end means utilizing can holding means having lock means to prevent such chime end means from moving relative to such holding means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide inexpensive and easily formed blanks for making such improved can holding means for association with cans having chime end means or the like.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved package having such improved can holding means and an improved method of making such improved package having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved blanks for making such improved can holding means or the like.

Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of four cans having chime end means; being supported on can holding means therefor and having a heat shrinkable transparent material shrunk in position therearound tothereby define one embodiment of the improved package of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the can holding means of FIGURE 1 particularly illustrating extension flap means thereof associating with inside surfaces of the chime end means of a pair of cans having parts broken away and illustrating a pair of tab means having chime lock means associating with the outside surfaces of such chime end means, and also showing another pair of tab means partially raised and with their associated cans removed.

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the blank used to make the can holding means of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 2 of another embodiment of can holding means for a plurality of cans similar to the can holding means shown in FIGURE 2 and used to make a package similar to the package of FIGURE 1 while employing another embodiment of chime lock means.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the blank used to make the can holding means of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of can holding means similar to the can holding means as illustrated in FIGURE 2 and used to make an 3 FIGURE 7 is a plan view of the blank used to make the can holding means of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view with parts broken away showing another embodiment of the improved package of this invention for a plurality of four cans having chime end means in which the can holding means thereof used to prevent transverse movement of such cans is arranged at the top of such cans and particularly illustrating means provided in such can holding means to enable easy grasping thereof enabling easy carrying of such improved package in suspended relation therebelow.

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of the blank used to make the improved can hoding means illustrated in FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the improved package of this invention having holding means for holding a plurality of cans having chime end means in a rectilinear manner, and in this example illustrating a plunality of three cans being supported on such holding means and having a transparent plastic shrinkable material wrapped therearound.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the can holding means of FIGURE 10 particularly i lustrating two cans being supported thereon, with parts broken away to show the positions of extension flap means engaging the inside surface of chime end means of such cans, and showing the remaining extension flap means partially folded.

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the blank used to make the can holding means illustrated in FIGURE 11.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable for providing an improved package construction having improved holding means for holding a plurality of cans, such as metal cans containing a food product or the like, having chime end means and to an improved method for making such improved package construction, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be used for other uses as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIGURES 1-3 an improved package is illustrated employing unique holding means such as a holder 21 for holding a plurality of container means shown as four cans each designated by the numeral 22. In this embodiment of the invention cans 22 are placed on can 'holder 21 arranged at the bottom thereof.

Each can 22 has chime end means illustrated as chime 23 at each end thereof. It will be appreciated that cans may be used having chime end means only at one end thereof. Each chime 23 is formed during the manufacture of cans 22 and provides a small projection extending circumferentially beyond the outer periphery of the generally' cy'indrical can 22, as well as extending beyond its associated end wall to provide a recess shown at 28 for receiving can holding means as will be described subsequently.

Cans 22 are placed on can holder 21 and plastic heat shrinkable sheet means or sheet 24 is wrapped therearound. Upon subjecting can holder 21 with cans 22 supported thereon and plastic sheet 24 wrapped around the entire assembly to a heat environment, plastic sheet 24 shrinks and urges cans 22 against holder 21 while adhesively fastening such cans in position. The heat environment is preferably provided in a controlled manner using a heating oven or the like. As will be apparent from this description and from FIGURE 1 of the drawings, package 20 is easily formed without requiring complicated equipment or assembly techniques.

As shown particularly in FIGURE 2, can holder 21 has means for holding cans 22 against relative movement along or generally parallel to the plane of such can holder and in this example against horizontal movement. Can holder 21 has means associating with the inside sur- 'face of the chime end 23, shown as inner periphery 25, of each can 22 as well as having means for locking the outer surface of the chime ends and preventing the cans from being inadvertently moved out of the plane of can holder 21. The outer circumferential top surface of each chime end is designated by the numeral 26.

' Each can holder 21 has a central portion 27 defined by a pair of parallel score lines each designated by the numeral 30 and arranged therein in a spaced apart man- 'ner. A plurality of extension flaps corresponding to the number of cans 22 held on can holder 21 extend outwardly from score lines 30. The extension flaps are each designated by the same numeral 32.

Each extension flap 32 cooperates with an associated can 22 to hold such a can in position. Inasmuch as cans 22 are generally identical, each extension flap 32 is identical to the others.

Each extension flap 32 has an outer contour corresponding in outline to the inside contour or periphery 25 of chime end 23. In this example of the invention the outer contour of each extension flap means 32 is generally semicircular corresponding to the circular inside contour 25 of chime end 23.

Each extension flap 32 is folded about its associated score line 30 essentially coplanar with central portion 27 of can holder 21. Each score line 30 is formed so that each flap 32 when folded thereabout tends to spring away from central portion 27 and thus is urged within recess 28 of an associated can 22. With flap 32 within recess 28 the associated can 22 is kept from moving in the plane of central portion 27 because the outer periphery of flap 32 is held into engagement with contour 25 of chime end 23.

Means is provided for locking each can 22 in position against can holder 21 and such means comprises chime lock means defined by cut and score means in the central portion 27 of can holder 21. The cut and score means define a plurality of cooperating pairs of generally U- shaped tabs each designated in this embodiment by the numeral 34. Each U-shaped tab 34 is hinged about a central axis 35 arranged midway between and parallel to score lines 30.

Each U-shaped tab 34 upon being folded vertically upward, i.e. normal to central portion 27, provides slot means such as a narrow elongated opening or slot 36 in tab 34 defining shoulder means such as a shoulder 37 for receiving the outside surface 26 of an associated chime end 23 thereunder. The height of each slot 36 and hence shoulder 37 corresponds to the height over the outer surface 26 of associated chime end 23 and the lower side of each slot 36 is defined by central portion 27.

The material used to make can holder 21 will be described in detail later in connection with the blank used to make holder 21. However, the thickness of material used to make can holder 21 and hence the thickness of each U-shaped tab 34 is such that a sufliciently Wide shoulder 37 is formed for engaging an associated outer surface 26 of chime 23. The arrangement of each semicircular fiap 32 with respect to axis 35 is such that the outer periphery 26 of chime 23 with flap 32 engaging its inside surface 25 is placed immediately adjacent central axis 35 and locked in position under shoulder 37.

Each U-shaped tab 34 in central portion 27 is arranged with its open end adjoining central axis 35 and one of the open legs of each U-shaped tab is preferably wider than the other. The U-shaped tabs are arranged in adjoining cooperating pairs in side-by-side relation upon being raised vertically and the wider legs of each pair are arranged at opposite ends of each adjoining pair. This arrangement assures that maximum structural strength is provided for each U-shaped tab 34, such that upon inserting an associated chime 23 in position under shoulder 37 the associated can 22 will be locked in position.

Can holder 21 can be formed in any suitable manner and made from any suitable foldable material. It is preferably formed from the blank 40 illustrated in FIGURE 3. Blank 40 is made of cardboard or the like and may have a side such as the exterior surface thereof laminated With metallic foil, such as aluminum-containing metallic foil, or the like, suitably colored, embossed, imprinted, or remaining plain asdesired and providing identification means if desired.

Blank 40 is suitably cut and scored and adapted to be folded essentiallyv in one plane to define can holder 21 as previously mentioned. Blank 40 has a pair of spaced apart parallel score means or score lines 30 defining generally rectangular central portion 27. A plurality of extension flaps each designated by the numeral 32 in this example extend beyond each score line 30 and in this illustration two of such extension flaps 32 extend beyond each score line 30.

Each extension flap 32 in this example is generally semicircular in shape and corresponds in outline to the inside contour of an associated chime 23 of a right circular cylindrical can 22 to be placed in surrounding relation thereabout.

Although extension flap 32 in this example of the invention is shown as semicircular in shape to correspond to chime 23 of associated can 22, it will be appreciated that the outside contour of eachflap 32 could be made to correspond to the inside contour of an associated chime end regardless of the shape of such chime end. For example, a square can or any other shape can having chime end means could be utilized and the contour of the extension flap associating therewith would be made to correspond to the inside contour of such chime end to thereby prevent such can from shifting about on its associated central portion.

Flaps 32 are arranged along their associated score line 30 in corresponding relation. That is, each extension flap 32 is located at a position along its associated score line 30 corresponding to an oppositely arranged flap 32 along its score line 30. Thus, as will be seen in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, a line drawn perpendicular to a score line 30 so as to bisect its associated extension flap 32 will also bisect an extension flap 32 arranged to extend beyond parallel score line 30 defining the opposite side edge of central portion 27, This arrangement assures that upon folding fiaps 32 inwardly about their associated portions of score line 30 and placing chime ends 23 of cans 22 in surrounding relation around such flaps, the cans will be arranged in side-by-side pairs each on opposite sides of theoretical axis 35 of central portion 27.

Cut and score means is provided in central portion 27 of blank 40. Such cut and score means define chime lock means which in this embodiment of the invention comprise generally U-shaped tab means 34 hinged about central axis 35 arranged midway between parallel score lines 30.

Each U-shaped tab 34 is defined by a U-shaped cut 41 arranged Within a larger roughly U-shaped cut 42 placed in surrounding relation thereabout. Cuts 41 and 42 are arranged so their open ends adjoin an associated score means or line 43 generally coinciding with central axis 35. Scorelines 43 enables each tab 34 to be hinged thereabout perpendicular to central portion 27. Tabs 34 are arranged along central axis 35 in cooperating pairs having a common score line 43.

Sets of U-shaped cuts 41 and 42 are placed facing each other along central portion 27 to define such cooperating pairs and so that the terminal open ends of small U-shaped cuts 41 engage each other. In this example, the previously mentioned slot means 36, formed upon lifting each tab 34 vertically, adjoin each other in blank 40 and form a rectangular opening 44 which is centrally arranged therein between a pair of oppositely arranged extension flaps 32.

The roughly U-shaped cut 42 defining the outer periphery of each U-shaped tab 34 is arranged with respect to its inner cooperating cut 41 so as to define a leg 45 which is wider than an opposite leg 46. Each tab 34 of each cooperating pair of tabs is arranged along central axis with its Wide leg at opposite ends of rectangular cutout 44. This assures that upon folding each flap 34 about its associated score line 43 maximum strength is provided for each of such tabs 34 without likelihood of tearing thereof.

Another embodiment of this invention is defined using the can holder illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5. The package of this latter embodiment is generally identical to the package 20 of FIGURES l3 and thus will be designated by the numeral 20A. All common identical components will be designated by the same number as previously followed by the letter A in this embodiment and not described again. Those portions of package 20A which differ from the previous embodiment will be designated by a new number also followed by the letter designation A signifying this second embodiment of the invention.

Package 20A is comprised of a plurality of cans 22A fastened against a can holder 21A by a transparent plastic sheet 24A. With the exception of chime lock means provided in its central portion, can holder 21A of this embodiment of the invention is identical to the previous embodiment.

Can holder 21A will be described by referring to both the perspective of such can holder illustrated in FIGURE 4 and blank 40A used to make can holder 21A and illustrated in FIGURE 5. The chime lock means provided in the central portion 27A of blank 40A comprises a plurality of L-shaped tab means or L-shaped tabs each designated by the numeral A and each having means for engaging and locking an associated chime end in position.

Each L-shaped tab 50A is defined by a cooperating pair of L-shaped cut means or cuts 51A and 52A in the central portion of blank 27A. Cuts 51A and 52A are arranged so that their elongated sides are parallel to each other and have their terminal ends joined by another cut 53A. The short legs of each L-shaped cut 51A and 52A have a score line 56A between their terminal ends. Each score line 56A coincides with a central axis 35A extending midway between score lines 30A defining central portion 27A.

Thus it is seen that upon providing L-shaped cuts 51A, 52A, and connecting cuts 53A as described above an L-shaped tab 50A is provided which is hinged about score line 56A coinciding with central axis 35A. Tabs 50A are provided in cooperating pairs each hinged about an associated score line. Each cooperating pair of tabs 50A is arranged in central portion 27A as will be described presently.

Each L-shaped tab 50A provides a shoulder designated by the numeral 57A for receiving the outside peripheral surface 26A of an associated chime end 23A thereunder. The semicircular extension flaps 32A are arranged in pairs in a similar manner as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGURES 1-3. The L-shaped tabs 50A are arranged between the semicircular extension flaps 32A in such a manner that each L-shaped tab 50A associates with a flap 32A and hence a chime end 23A of an associated container 22A.

Upon folding blank 40A to define can holder 21A and vertically lifting each L-shaped tab 50A a flap 32A engages the inside periphery 25A of an associated chime end 23A as previously described. The outside surface of chime end 23A is engaged by shoulder 57A of an L-shaped -tab 50A. Shoulder 57A provides a lock in effect preventing the container 22A from being moved along or parallel to central portion 27A and hence can holder 21A.

Each L-shaped tab 50A is arranged on central portion 27A so as to be immediately adjacent to the outer periphery of chime end 23A. Both the inside and outside diameter of each chime end 23A is closely correlated with holder 21A so that the locking action is positive. That is, semicircular flap 32A engages the inside surface 25A of chime end 23A and holds such chime end immediately adjacent central axis 35A. This enables shoulder 57A of L-shaped tab 50A to engage the outside surface 26A and thereby holds the associated container 22A firmly in position.

The transparent plastic heat shrinkable material 24A is then wrapped around containers 22A while being supported on can holder 21A to thereby provide improved package A similar to package 20. Plastic material 24A may be provided either in sheet or tubular form as desired to define package 20A.

Another embodiment of this invention is defined using the can holder illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7. The package of this latter embodiment is practically identical to the packages 20 and 20A of the previous embodiments. Therefore in this latter embodiment identical components previously described will be designated by the same numeral followed in this latter embodiment by the letter designation B and such identical components will not be described again. Only the components which differ from the previous embodiments will be described and will be given new numerals also followed by the letter designation B.

The only difference in package 208 from the previous embodiments is in the can holder 21B. The description of can holder 21B and the blank 40B from which such can holder 21B is made will now be presented by referring to both FIGURES 6 and 7 of the drawings.

The blank 408 has second score means or a score line 60B parallel to score lines B therein and bisecting the central portion 273 of such blank. Third and fourth parallel score lines shown at 61B and 62B are provided in central portion 27B. Score lines 618 and 62B are both spaced from score line 60B an equal distance to thereby define a pair of elongated equal width strips designated by the numerals 63B and 643.

The semicircular extension flaps 32B in this embodiment of the invention are arranged in cooperating pairs similar to the previous embodiments. Central portion 27B has narrow generally rectangular elongated slots therein. Each slot is designated by the numeral 65B and is defined by a rectangular cut line 66B in blank B.

A pair of slots 65B is arranged between a cooperating pair of extension flaps 32B. Slots 65B are symmetrically arranged about a theoretical line extending between the centers of each cooperating pair of extension flaps 32B and in effect each slot 65B is arranged so as to be bisected by such theoretical line.

As will be apparent from FIGURE 6 of the drawings, blank 40B is folded so that the elongated strips 63B and 64B are folded about their associated score lines to thereby define a central partition tab indicated in FIGURE 6 by the numeral 67B. The elongated strips 63B and 64B are placed in side-by-side relation upon folding blank 40B as described above. Suitable adhesive means such as glue or the like is applied on the adjoining surfaces 68B of strips 63B and 64B to hold such strips together. By thus folding such flaps together it will be seen that score line B defines the top of partition 67B.

The folding of elongated rectangular strips 63B and 64B in adjoining relation results in the alignment of slots B in each of such strips so as to define a continuous passage through partition 67B. Slots 65B are also properly aligned with respect to the cooperating pair of extension flaps 32B. The top of each slot 65B defines a shoulder 69B in an associated strip 63B or 64B for receiving associated chime end means thereunder.

Thus, it is seen that upon placing a can 22B with its chime end 23B in surrounding relation about a semicircular extension flap 32B the outer surface 26B of chime end 23B is urged and locked under shoulder 69B by flap 32B engaging inside surface 25B of chime end 23B. Shoulder 69B and flap 32B hold the associated can 22B against movement in the plane defined by central portion 27B.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG- URES 8 and 9 an improved can holder 210 used to make a package 20C is illustrated. As in previous embodiments can. holder 21C is practically identical to the previously described can holders with the exceptions of adding means therein for ease of carrying the improved package 20C formed using can holder 21C and deleting the chime lock means. The various components of package 20C and can holder 21C which are identical to the previous embodiments will be given the same number designation as before followed by the letter C and not described again.

The central portion 27C of can holder 21C has cutout means comprising a pair of roughly semicircular cutouts arranged at opposite ends thereof as illustrated at 70C. Each cutout 70C is defined by an arcuate cut line 71C arranged to provide a necked-down portion in central portion 27C enabling easy grasping and carrying of package 20C. For example, package 20C may be simply grasped manually across the necked-down portion by placing one hand over such package and clamping it between a thumb and another finger. The semicircular cutout means 70C is provided generally midway between the spaced apart score lines 30C in blank 40C.

Package 200 is formed in a manner as previously described in connection with the other embodiments of the invention by wrapping a plastic material 24C around cans 22C held in a can holder 21C.

In the embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG- URES 10, 11, and 12, an improved package means is provided for holding a plurality of container means having chime end means aligned in a rectilinear manner. The package in this embodiment of the invention is designated by the numeral 70 and is adapted for holding a plurality of cans 71 having chime end means designated by the numeral 72.

Package 70 includes a holder 73 for cans 71 and the holder has means therein for preventing movement of the cans relative to the plane of such can holder 73. Can holder 73 comprises an elongated central portion designated by the numeral 74 and has a pair of parallel spaced apart score means or score lines each designated by the numeral 75 at opposite ends of the rectangular central portion 74.

A pair of extension flaps each designated by the numeral 76 is provided at opposite ends of central portion 74 and such extension flaps are generally semicircular in shape. In this example of the invention central portion 74 has a single extension flap 77 extending laterally beyond a side edge thereof. Extension flap 77 extends beyond a score line 80 defining a side edge of central portion 74. Score line 80 is arranged so that it extends generally nor mal to parallel score lines 75 defining the opposite ends of central portion 74.

As will be apparent from FIGURE 11 of the drawings extension flap 77 has a circular outer contour which is approximately semicircular in shape; however, it extends over an are generally greater than degrees. Upon folding extension flap 77 about its score line 80 this large arc of greater than 180 degrees assures that there is less likelihood of an associated chime end 72 placed in surrounding relation about the outside contour of extension flap 77 from shifting about along the plane defined by central portion 74.

The arrangement of flaps 76 and 77 is such that upon folding such flaps about their associated score lines essentially coplanar with central portion 74 and placing an associated chime end 72 thereabout, the cans 71 are aligned so that their axes are arranged in a rectilinear path along can holder 73. It will be appreciated that the number of flaps similar to flap 77 extending laterally from the side edges of central portion 74 can be increased as desired. The construction and method of packaging shown and described for a three can holder is of course fully applicable to a can holder for any number of cans to be arranged in an in-line rectilinear manner.

As in the previous embodiments of this invention a plastic heat shrinkable material is wrapped around cans 71 while they are in position on holder 73. As previously the assembly thus formed is subjected to a heat environ- 9 ment to shrink the plastic in position and define an integral assembly.

Also it will be appreciated that score line '80 or score lines similar to score line 80 and intermediate the opposite ends of the generally rectangular central portion 7 4 do not necessarily have to extend from the same side edge. In fact such score lines could be alternated along opposite side edges of central portion 74 or placed in any desired manner and from any desired side as long as cans 71 are held in a rectilinear path upon overlapping the various flaps in position against central portion 74. The rectilinear arrangement of cans 71 also makes them easy to grasp and carry.

The score means 75 nd 80 at the base of extension flaps 76 and 77 respectively are preferably double score means so as to enable their associated flaps to project slightly above central position 74 and approximately parallel thereto yet practically in the same plane as central portion 74. Flaps 76 and 77 are received in nested relation within an associated chime end 72 of cans 71. This arrangement helps hold cans 71 firmly in position. It will be appreciated that flaps 76 and 77, as in the previous embodiments, tend to urge outwardly into positive engagement with an associated chime end which of course provides a more positive holding action.

It will be appreciated also that the double scoring arrangement may also be provided for can holders 21, 21A, 21B, and 21C for reasons as described in the next preceding paragraph.

The various embodiments of this invention previously described and illustrated in the drawings all preferably use a plastic heat shrinkable material which is wrapped therearound to hold the cans against their associated can holder. Upon subjecting such heat shinkable plastic material to a heat environment a package is formed in which the cans are firmly urged against their can holder to provide an integral construction of high strength and it is not necessary to provide separate expensive carriers or sleeves which are generally more expensive to produce and assemble.

The improved package construction in each of the various embodiments of this invention preferably utilizes a transparent plastic material and thus does not require additional identification means for the package. The identification means provided on the individual cans is readily visible and sufiicient to provide identification of the contents of the package. In addition, separate handle means may also be provided either within or out of the plastic wrap in any desired manner to enable easy carrying of each package.

In the various embodiments of this invention previously described the material used to make the can holder involved is generally easy to fold. Yet the various extension flaps after being folded in position with a chime end of an associated can placed therearound generally tend to urge into nested relation within such chime end. The can holder material is also of sufficient rigidity so that once each extension flap is in position it will not bend or fold and thereby helps in holding an associated can in position.

The thickness of the material used to form each can holder is also suflicient to provide an adequate bearing surface on the various chime lock means'formed as an integral part of the various can holders. It will be noted from the drawings that the chime lock means are closely correlated with the particular chime end of the cans being packaged so that the shoulders provided in the various tab means slip closely over the top outer surface of a chime end and thus lock the associated can firmly in position. This locking action is of course provided irrespective of whether a U-shaped tab, L-shaped tab, or slotted partition tab is used. The extension flaps which engage the inside surfaces of the chime ends as well as the associated chime lock means assure that the various cans 10 are held firmly in position until the plastic material is wrapped around the cans and can holder.

One of the assembly techniques contemplated by this invention is to place the, cans in position as previously described on their associated can holder (regardless of which type of can holder is employed) while supporting such can holder on an essentially horizontal surface. A plastic heat shrinkable material is then wrapped therearound. The entire package is passed through a controlled temperature heating oven which causes the plastic to seal against the can holder and be adhesively fastened thereto. The heating also causes the plastic material to shrink urging the cans tightly against their associated can holder to define an integral high-strength package unit.

Terms such as top, bottom, side, ends, and the like, have been used in this disclosure of the invention for ease of description and to define the various positions of the packages, can holders, and components thereof as illustrated in the drawings, such terms should not be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

Thus, it is seen that this invention provides an improved package construction employing unique inexpensive can holder means and also provides an improved method for making such improved package. construction.

Further, this invention provides improved blanks for forming such can holders or the like.

What is claimed is:

1. A package for a plurality of container means each having chime end means, said package comprising, holding means made of foldable material means, said holding means having a central portion lying substantially in one plane and having a plurality of extension flap means ex tending outwardly therefrom and corresponding in number to said plurality of container means, said plurality of extension flap means being adapted to engage and hold said plurality of container means in an aligned manner, each extension flap means having an outer contour corresponding to the inside contour of a chime end means of an associated container means and each extension flap means being adapted to be folded over said central portion in overlapped relation while urging outwardly from said central portion into a nested position within chime end means of an associated container means, said plurality of extension flap means extend beyond a pair of score means at opposite ends of said central portion and score means intermediate said opposite ends and arranged transverse said pair of score means with said plurality of extension fiap means being constructed and arranged to hold more than two container means aligned in a rectilinear manner, and shrinkable plastic means placed around ,said holding means and said container means and shrunk in position therearound to define an inexpensive integral package.

2. A package for a plurality of container means each having chime end means, said package comprising, holding means made of foldable material means, said holding means having a central portion lying substantially in one plane and having a plurality of extension flap means extending outwardly therefrom and corresponding in numher to said plurality of container means, said plurality of extension flap means being adapted to engage and hold said plurality of container means in an aligned manner, each extension flap means having an outer contour corresponding to the inside contour of a chime end means of an associated container means and each extension flap means being adapted to be folded over said central portion in overlapped relation while urging outwardly from said central portion into a nested position within chime end means of an associated container means, said plurality of extension flap means are arranged in cooperating pairs at corresponding positions along opposite side edges of said central portion such that upon overlapping extension flap means of each pair over said central portion and placing an associated chime end means in surrounding relation therearound the container means of each cooperating pair are arranged in side-by-side relation with the outer surfaces of their chime end means closely adjacent, and shrinkable plastic means placed around said holding means and said container means and shrunk in position therearound to define an inexpensive integral package, said holding means having cutout means at opposite ends of its central portion enabling said integral package to be easily grasped and carried in an inverted manner using said cutout means.

3. A package for a plurality of container means each having chime end means, said package comprising, hold ing means made of foldable material means, said holding means having a central portion lying substantially in one plane and having a plurality of extension flap means extending outwardly therefrom and corresponding in numher to said plurality of container means, said plurality of extension flap means being adapted to engage and hold said plurality of container means in an aligned manner, each extension flap means having an outer contour corresponding to the inside contour of a chime end means of an associated container means and each extension flap means being adapted to be folded over said central portion in overlapped relation while urging outwardly from said central portion into a nested position within chime end means of an associated container means, said plurality of extension flap means are arranged in cooperating pairs at corresponding positions along opposite side edges of said central portion such that upon overlapping extension flap means of each pair over said central portion and placing an associated chime end means in surrounding relation therearound the container means of each cooperating pair are arranged in side-by-side relation with the outer surfaces of their chime end means closely adjacent, chime lock means provided as an integral part of said central portion and comprising L-shaped tab means having shoulder means therein for engaging and holding said closely adjacent outer surface means of said chime end means against said central portion and shrinkable plastic means placed around said holding means and said container means and shrunk in position therearound to define an inexpensive integral package.

4. A packaging method for a plurality of container means comprising the steps of, providing a plurality of container means each having chime end means, providing holding means made of a foldable material and having a central portion lying in one plane and having a plurality of extension flap means corresponding in number to said purality of container means and extending from said central portion, each. extension flap means being adapted to engage and hold an associated one of said plurality of container means in a desired position with each extension flap means having an outer contour corresponding to the inside contour of chime end means of an associated container means, folding each extension flap means in overlapped relation over said central portion, placing a chime end means of each container means in surrounding relation about an associated folded extension flap means so that each extension flap means urges outwardly into nested relation within the inside contour of its associated chime end means to there- .by hold the corresponding container means against movement with respect to said central portion, providing shrinkable plastic means, placing said plastic means around said holding means and container means with said container means in position to define an assembly, and shrinking said plastic means in position to thereby provide an integral inexpensive package, said plurality of extension flap means extend beyond a pair of score means at opposite ends of said central portion and score means intermediate said opposite ends wherein said extension flap means are constructed and arranged such that upon placing each container means in position during said step of placing a chime end means of each container means into engagement with an associated extension flap means said plurality of container means are aligned in a rectilinear manner.

5. A packaging method for a plurality of container means comprising the steps of, providing a plurality of container means each having chime end means, providing holding means, said holding means being made of a foldable material and having a central portion lying in one plane and having a plurality of extension flap means corresponding in number to said plurality of container means and extending from said central portion, each extension flap means being adapted to engage and hold an associated one of said plurality of container means in a desired position with each extension flap means having an outer contour corresponding to the inside contour of a chime end means of an associated container means, folding each extension flap means in overlapped relation over said central portion, placing a chime end means of each container means in surrounding relation about an associated folded extension flap means so that each extension flap means urges outwardly into nested relation within the inside contour of its associated chime end means to thereby hold the corresponding container means against movement with respect to said central portion, said step of providing holding means comprising providing chime lock means extending from said central portion and being adapted to lock said chime end means in position against said central portion, said plurality of extension flap means are provided in cooperating pairs at corresponding positions along opposite side edges of said central portion, such that upon overlapping said extension flap means in position and placing associated chime end means therearound said chime end means are arranged with their outer surfaces in closely adjacent relation on both sides of said chime lock means, locking said container means in position by engaging said outer surface of said chime end means with said chime lock means, comprising L-shaped tab means having shoulder means therein and said locking step comprises engaging said outer surface means under said shoulder means, providing shrinkable plastic means, placing said plastic means around said holding means and container means with said container means in position to define an assembly, and shrinking said plastic means in position to thereby provide an integral inexpensive package.

6. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be folded to define a resulting holding means for aligning and holding in a pair of rows a plurality of associated container means each having chime end means against undesirable movement relative to said resulting holding means, said blank having a generally rectangular central portion lying substantially in one plane and formed by a pair of spaced apart parallel score means extending thereacross, a plurality of extension flap means extending beyond each of said score means and arranged along said score means on opposite side edges of said central portion to define cooperating pairs of extension flap means each having a contour corresponding in outline to the inside contour of a chime end means of an associated container means, and cut and score means in said central portion defining a plurality of cooperating pairs of generally L-shaped tabs hinged about associated score means coinciding with a central axis midway between said parallel score means with each L-shaped tab in each cooperating pair of tabs adapted to be folded vertically about said axis to provide shoulder means for receiving the outside surface of a chime end means of an associated container means thereunder, whereby each of said extension flap means is folded about an associated score means essentially overlapping said central portion and upon placing an associated chime end means in surrounding relation thereabout each extension flap means urges outwardly from said central portion within the inside con tour of its associated chime end means to hold an associated container means so that the outside surface of its chime end means is locked under a cooperating shoulder means of an associated L-shaped tab so that the joint action of each L-shaped tab together with a cooperating extension flap means holds an associated container means against movement substantially parallel to said plane.

7. A blank as set forth in claim 6 in which each of said L-shaped tabs is dimensioned so that shoulder means thereof cooperates with the top outside surface of an associated chime end of a container means supported thereon and in which each of said extension flap means is substantially semicircular in shape for association with the inside contour of said chime end means of circular outline.

8. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be folded to define a resulting holding means for aligning and holding a plurality of container means each having chime end means aligned in a rectilinear manner against movement relative to said resulting holding means, said blank having an elongated generally rectangular central portion lying substantially in one plane, score means at opposite ends of said elongated central portion each having extension flap means extending therebeyond corresponding in outline to the inside contour of an associated chime end means, second score means generally perpendicular to said score means at opposite ends defining extension flap means intermediate said extension flap means at opposite ends, said intermediate extension flap means corresponding to the inside contour of an associated chime end means of container means placed intermediate container means at opposite ends of said central portion, whereby each of said extension flap means if folded about an associated score means essentially overlapping said rectangular central portion and upon placing an associated chime end means in surrounding relation thereabout each extension flap means urges outwardly from said central portion into positive engagement with its associated chime end means to hold an associated container means against movement substantially parallel to said plane.

9. A blank as set forth in claim 8 in which each of said score means comprise double score means enablingeach extension flap means to be folded substantially parallel with said central portion and slightly raised thereabove, thereby enabling better engagement within an associated chime end means.

10. A blank as set forth in claim 9 adapted to define said resulting holding means for holding container means of right circular cylindrical shape in which each of said extension fiap means at each opposite end is substantially semicircular in shape for association with chime end means of circular outline and said intermediate extension flap means is of generally circular outline extending over an angle greater than 180 degrees and thereby assuring that the essentially rectangular outline of said central portion is maintained thus providing b tter support while also providing better holding action for associated intermediate container means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,57l,833 lO/1951 Chidsey 20665 3,l67,2l3 l/1965 De Paul 220--1l2 3229,8912 1/1966 Weiss W. 229 3,326,367 6/1967 Weiss a- 206-- MARTHA L. RICE, Primary Examiner. 

